________________
Walk With Me
My curiosity overtook my judgment and I approached the young man. I greeted him respectfully and asked, “I am sorry to disturb your sadhana, Muniraj. I do not know you and have never seen you before, but I am anxious to know about you. I am curious to know what motivated you to become an ordained monk at such a young age. Youth are more interested in fun and games. They look forward to getting married and starting a family. However, you have chosen a hard spiritual path. Why? I am sorry to intrude in your sadhana, but I cannot help myself.”
The monk opened his eyes, saw me seated close to him, and said, “No need to apologize. I was a miserable and helpless orphan. Therefore, decided to ask Bhagwan Mahavir to ordain me into his sangh."
I was shocked to hear that such a royal looking person was actually an orphan. Quite frankly, I did not believe him. I assumed that a helpless orphan would look different. His face will reveal his hardships and ordeals. This young man, on the other hand, looked poised and calm, as if brought up with love, care and culture in a royal or at least a well-off family. This boy could not be an orphan.
I instinctively said, “Muniraj, I find it difficult to accept that you could be an orphan. In any case, being an orphan does not mean that no one can help you and you have to become a monk. Come with me, I will be your guardian and see that my wealth fulfills your wishes.
The Muniraj said, "Excuse me, but you too are an orphan. How can an orphan become my guardian?"
154
Jain Education Intemational
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
